The emerging prominence of environmental, social and governance issues on the risk register of Canadian businesses has captured the attention of Canadian in-house counsel. Now more than ever, risk management efforts are focusing on “S” issues, including the financial, operational, legal, regulatory and brand erosion risks relating to the presence of forced labour, child labour and human-trafficked labour (collectively, “modern slavery”) in business operations and supply chains.

From a legislative and regulatory perspective, Canada has lagged behind many of its western trade and investment partners — including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands and Australia — in addressing modern slavery issues. However, recent developments in Canada and abroad are accelerating the pace of change and posing new risk management challenges for Canadian businesses and their in-house legal advisers. 

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